Friday 15 August 2025
(The Assumption of Mary)
‘…For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed ..’ (Luke 1:48)
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| Source: Dormition of the Virgin Mary |
AN OVERVIEW OF THE READINGS*
The 15th August was, traditionally, an important date in the calendar in Catholic countries across Europe. Secular France still clings to tradition and marks the day with a public holiday. The image of Mary being taken up - body and soul - into heaven is part of the wider catholic tradition even if the matter was not defined as dogma in the Roman Catholic church until 1950. Among Eastern Orthodox Catholics the celebration is referred to as the 'Dormition' or falling asleep of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the reformed traditions there is no mention of the matter as it is viewed as 'unscriptural' (though in some parts of the Anglican communion the feast day is marked on the calendar).
Today's scripture readings are upbeat. The mysterious Book of Revelation is triumphant and more than hints at the central role of mother of the male child 'destined to rule all the nations'. Psalm 45 refers to a wedding where the 'Queen' stands at the right hand of God. St Paul's Letter to the Corinthians speaks of the victory over death that is of Christ. Finally, the passage from Luke contains the triumphant hymn of the Magnificat where Mary accepts that all generations will call her blessed.
Three facts stand out at least
- nowhere do the scriptures speak of Mary's death or passing from this world to heaven
- there are no traditional pilgrim sites associated with a tomb where Mary is said to have been laid to rest.
- There is a long tradition that stretches back to the first millennium where devout Christians honour the Blessed Virgin and there are a number of key references to Mary in early writings and even in the liturgy.
It is not possible to strictly 'prove' the assumption of Mary from the Bible (which is the reason Protestants do not accept the Assumption as a necessary doctrine). However, Tradition with a large T certainly gives a central place to Mary in the story of salvation and the beliefs around Mary from her virginity to her bodily assumption and queenship have deep roots. In the Catholic view, the doctrine of the Assumption (and the Immaculate Conception which underpins it) does not contradict scripture but builds on it. Catholics emphasise that the scriptures are the fruit of Tradition - living, oral, written and agreed and defined by the early Church. In other words, the Bible which we believe to be the Word of God has a context and a pathway. No grace no revelation. No revelation no church. No church no bible.
The teachings of the virgin birth - which is part of the Christian Creeds - and the references to Mary's queenship do not sit easily with modern theories and outlooks. This is especially so when the Catholic Church is criticised for its general approach in relation to role and ministry of women. The Protestant critique is different. It is about what is essential to the Gospel and the unique mediation of Christ.
If we accept that Christ is the Son God - divine and human - then his mother is indeed the Theotokos - the God bearer. This has implications and provides a basis for the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception issued in the 19th Century by the Roman Catholic church. Even still, not all the early saints and doctors agreed. But, all do accept that she is all holy (panagia in Greek) and full of grace.
Whatever the history of these matters and however Christians might differ in language, emphasis and teaching it is clear that Mary continues to inspire us. Many Christians feel called to welcome her not just as Mother of their Lord but their own spiritual mother as well - watching over us and praying for us and through her witness and example setting a pathway for us.
Dare I say Mary is a good complement to what might otherwise be a very masculine Christology. And
And the critique of Marian piety and theology as conducive to female submission and handmaiden oppression needs to contend with the fierce battle cry of the Magnificat where the proud, the mighty and the rich must tremble.
In the Roman Catholic tradition, the Assumption links back directly to the immaculate conception which in turn links back to Mary the God bearer and the all holy one full of grace. We may note that in this line of thinking certain key words and ideas are present: creation, birth, life, conception, body, spirt, motherhood, grace and resurrection.
In that sense, gender still matters and motherhood along with it.
Enough said about that for now!
Blessed Mary pray for us and protect us from the scheming of the arrogant and proud of this world!
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